Alcatra Recipe​

Alcatra Recipe​ is a Portuguese dish that comes from the Azores. Alcatra is a slowly cooked beef stew made with tender beef chuck or brisket marinated with red wine, garlic, onions, and other herbs and spices. Alcatra’s tenderness is its pride. The beef beautifully absorbs the marinade flavor, and the overall dish becomes a comfort. Alcatra is served in family gatherings to show hospitality, and during special occasions, portraying the warmth of Azorean cuisine.

Depending on the area, the alcatra recipe may differ somewhat, but the key components stay the same: slowly cooked tender beef and often, the addition of carrots and potatoes. The dish is cooked in a clay pot because of its ability to retain moisture. This allows the dish to be cooked slowly, helping the ingredients to merge perfectly. One of the unique ingredients is the use of wine. This helps add acidity and contrast to the recipe, creating a rich and delicious sauce to accompany bread or rice.

For alcatra, patience and attention to detail are necessary, but in the end, the dish is very tasty and satisfying. The alcatra recipe is often passed down, with each person adding a new twist while keeping true to the authentic recipe. Alcatra is usually made for family dinners or special occasions. This dish offers a timeless taste of the Azores, and unforgettable, it is still warmly welcomed around the table.

alcatra recipe​ From DishBloom!

Alcatra (Azorean Beef Stew)

Alcatra is a traditional Azorean dish made with tender beef that is slow-cooked with red wine, garlic, onions, and herbs. This hearty and flavorful stew is a symbol of Portuguese home cooking, typically prepared for special occasions or family gatherings. The slow cooking process results in melt-in-your-mouth beef, a rich sauce, and aromatic flavors that blend perfectly. The dish is often served with rice or bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Portuguese

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or clay pot (traditional)
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving plates

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket cut into large chunks
• 1 large onion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups red wine preferably Portuguese wine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 large potatoes peeled and cubed
• 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or clay pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
• Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
• Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the beef broth, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
• Return the Beef and Add Vegetables: Place the browned beef back into the pot. Add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Slow Cook: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the alcatra cook for 2.5-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
• Serve: Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the alcatra with rice or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  

Notes

• For the best flavor, use a good-quality red wine and allow the dish to cook slowly, as this helps tenderize the beef and enhances the flavors.
• You can add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or tomatoes, if you prefer.
• If you’re using a clay pot, make sure it is well-seasoned to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• 

Keyword Alcatra recipe, Azorean beef stew, hearty beef stew, Portuguese beef stew, raditional Portuguese dish, slow-cooked beef,

Share Your Twist!

Alcatra is a classic dish that can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to give your version of Alcatra a unique twist:

1. Add Smoky Flavor: Introduce a bit of smoked paprika or a small amount of smoked sausage (like chorizo) for a smoky depth. This adds a wonderful contrast to the richness of the beef.
2. Try Different Vegetables: While potatoes and carrots are traditional, consider adding parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
3. Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a few sliced red chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to the stew. The spice will balance out the rich flavors from the wine and beef.
4. Use Lamb Instead of Beef: For a different protein, try using lamb, which pairs beautifully with the wine and herbs in Alcatra. This twist will give the dish a more earthy, gamey flavor.
5. Herb Variations: While thyme and oregano are traditional, adding rosemary or bay leaves will introduce a fresh, piney aroma that complements the slow-cooked beef.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas and make the dish your own. Alcatra is a versatile recipe that allows you to infuse your personality into a beloved classic!

References :